Are you alone in taking low-cost airlines because of budget issues? No problem, many of us do. But beware: if one day you happen to take one of the following airlines, you may really be amazed by the luxury of their offer. Let's then discover the 10 most luxurious airlines in the world, ordered by cost of the most luxurious route.
10 - Virgin Atlantic, United Kingdom
Year founded: 1984
Number of destinations: 35
Fleet number: 39
Cost of most luxurious route: London - Johannesburg, €1,173 (economy class)
Virgin Atlantic serves over 30 destinations worldwide, including North America, the Caribbean and Africa. In first class, there is the ultimate in comfort: soft lighting, fully manually controllable seats, and an extensive relaxation offering with screens and projections.
9 - Qantas, Australia
Year founded: 1920
Number of destinations: 41
Fleet number: 126
Cost of the most luxurious route: Sydney - Milan, €3,000
Photo by Wal Nelowkin. On first class flights, the seats are much more cabin-like, complete with sheepskin mattress and electronically controlled adjustment. The tasting menu is extensive and varied.
8 - Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates
Year founded: 2003
Number of destinations: 96
Fleet number: 115
Cost of the most luxurious route: Abu Dhabi - Geneva, €6,250
Photo by Anna Zvereva. Flagship airline of the United Arab Emirates. In addition to passenger transport, it also handles charter and cargo flights. In terms of luxury, it offers everything a passenger could dream of: it is even possible to book'The Residence', a cabin with a double bedroom, living room and bathroom with shower.
7 - Qatar Airways, Qatar
Year founded: 1993
Number of destinations: 115
Fleet number: 200
Cost of the most luxurious route:Doha - London, €6,382
Photo by Per aspera ad Astra. Qatar's flag carrier, it has been awarded the highest rating by Skytrax: 5 stars. The airline travels all over the world and its main airport is Doha. In first class there are seat dividers that allow total privacy and undisturbed sleep, and they are all equipped with LCD screens.
6 - Swiss International Airlines, Switzerland
Year founded: 2002
Number of destinations: 104
Fleet number: 87
Cost of the most luxurious route: Zurich - Tokyo, €6,600
Photo by Beata May. Swiss International Airlines is the most important Swiss airline. Recently founded, it serves the whole world and was later acquired by Lufthansa. During first class travel, passengers are offered Swiss chocolate and given a toilet set.
5 - Lufthansa, Germany
Year of foundation: 1953
Number of destinations: 215
Fleet number: 274
Cost of the most luxurious route: Frankfurt - New York, €7,260
Photo by Lasse Fuss. Based in Cologne, Lufthansa is Germany's leading airline and one of the most important in the world. It was the first company to purchase a Boeing 737.
4 - Emirates, Dubai
Year of foundation: 1985
Number of destinations: 161
Fleet number: 231
Cost of the most luxurious route: Dubai - Tokyo, €8,184
Photo by https://www.flickr.com/photos/omeyamapyonta/. Emirates is the national airline of the Arab emirate of Dubai, and is the largest airline in the Middle East. In the course of its existence it has received several awards and accolades. In first class there are very spacious cabins, and passengers are given a BULGARI kit. The seat turns into a bed with sheets.
3 - Singapore Airlines, Singapore
Year of foundation: 1972
Number of destinations: 63
Fleet number: 107
Cost of the most luxurious route: Singapore - Dublin, €10,197
Photo by TJDarmstadt. Long-established airline operating mainly in Southeast Asia. The most luxurious planes have suites with double beds. A toiletry kit is provided and internet access is also available if desired.
2 - British Airways, United Kingdom
Year of foundation: 1974
Number of destinations: 183
Fleet number: 268
Cost of the most luxurious route: London - Hong Kong, €13,424
Photo by BriYYZ. British Airways is Britain's largest airline and one of the most luxurious in the world. The first class cabins are very modern with soft blue lights. Passengers are offered various amenities, including pyjamas and slippers. The food is excellent.
1 - All Nippon Airways, Japan
Year founded: 1952
Number of destinations: 89
Fleet number: 207
Cost of the most luxurious route: Tokyo - London, €21,594
Photo by Communi core. Japanese airline based in Tokyo, offering extremely luxurious first class cabins with ample luggage space and total privacy. For such a price one expects the best.